Laura
To introduce the New York Jets Flight Crew's 2008 finalists, newyorkjets.com is running profiles of all 51 young ladies prior to the finals on Sunday, June 1. Marc Ecko, who is designing the '08 uniforms, will host the finals, which will be closed to the public. Twenty-one finalists will be selected for the squad and then Jets fans will be able to vote for the 22nd and final member of the Flight Crew on newyorkjets.com.
In this group: Laura, Gina, Emily, Gillian, Meredith, Jessica, Jennifer and Dina Marie.
LAURA
Audition No. 26
Occupation:Student at Essex County College in West Caldwell, N.J. I'm also an assistant teacher at a learning center in Little Falls, N.J.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I am very passionate about performing and being in front of 80,000 fans will really show them how much I love being a dancer.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am extremely excited! This is a huge opportunity to do something I truly love. I am overwhelmed with emotion.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My personality! I love talking to people and making a great impression.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
Sometimes I am not confident, but that goes away when I perform!
What is something most people don't know about you?
I started dancing when I was 16.
What inspires you?
When people do whatever it takes to chase their dreams.
Do you have unique superstitions?
Yes! I wore the exact same outfit the next day to the semifinals.
What's your favorite song?
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2.
Group?
The Killers.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Chad Pennington.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Fly to the Bahamas with the people I love and lay on the beach.
Who is your favorite actor?
Johnny Depp.
GINA
Audition No. 31
Occupation: I currently work at the Office of Handicapped Services in Suffolk County. I'm also a student at St. Joseph's college and a dance teacher.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
The overall experience is amazing. The organization is great and dancing is truly my pride and joy.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am very confident and prepared for the finals. We are all going to do great.
What word best describes you?
Energetic.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
You can't count your true friends on more than one hand. If you have more than one, you are very lucky.
A pet peeve?
People who waste their talent.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Wesley Walker. He was my gym teacher.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Superbad." It is absolutely hysterical.
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Adam Sandler/Katherine Heigl.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mother. She is the strongest woman I know and she has never let me down.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The skyline and the extreme amount of diversity.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Going to Lake George every year with my family.
What advice do you have for young people?
Live your life as if it's your last reach for the stars and dream big.
EMILY
Audition No. 52
Occupation: I graduated in May 2007 from Albright College and now work for Saks Fifth Avenue. I do contemporary sales and am a specialist for Juicy Couture.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I am passionate about dancing and performing. I've had previous experienced dancing for indoor arena football. The experience was amazing.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am so excited! I am counting the days and I think it will be so much fun!
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I'm always smiling.
What word best describes you?
Bubbly.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to have an arch in my feet so I could wear cuter shoes.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I love warm Jell-O.
What inspires you?
Music, art and individuals I admire for following and accomplishing goals and dreams.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Always be yourself.
A pet peeve?
The sound of knuckles cracking.
What's your favorite song?
I have too many favorites to name one.
Group?
The Black Eyed Peas.
What advice do you have for young people?
Follow your heart.
GILLIAN
Audition No. 121
Occupation:Student, Suffolk County Community College.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
Dancing is my passion and I love being in front of crowds. Once I met the coach and the Jets girls and saw how genuine they are, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I love entertaining.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Very excited knowing that I'm a finalist and knowing that I'm almost there is amazing. I've never been through an experience like this and it has been quite the experience.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
Bubbly, very committed and an outstanding role model.
What word best describes you?
Dedicated. If I tell someone I would do something for them, I won't back down. If I have things to do, I will drop everything to do it.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
I always do things for other people instead of myself. This is the first thing I've done in a while for me.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I dance and sing in front of my mirror and that I'm very dedicated to breast cancer walks.
Who inspires you?
Mostly my mom. She has been with me through everything and always coaching me in the right direction. I don't' think I would be the person I am without her.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Don't listen to what others have to say. My whole high school career I was made fun of and I would go home every day upset. But my mom kept telling me to be myself and not to listen to others.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Thomas Edison, Dick Cheney, Heidi Klum and Chad Pennington.
Do you have unique superstitions?
Yes. My lucky numbers which I had throughout both my tryouts and they got me this far — 11 and 21.
A pet peeve?
Cracking knuckles.
What's your favorite song?
"Strip Tease."
Group?
Danity Kane.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Go skydiving, swim with sharks and waste all my money just having as much fun as I can.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Baked clams with penne alla vodka and a big artichoke.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"P.S. I Love You."
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My Aunt Krissy. She passed away when I was younger but she was like my second mom, always giving me advice and trying to steer me in the right direction.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The clothing stores, the smell and the noise.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
My best friend Danielle got a marshmallow caught on fire. We were laughing so hard that when she tried to blow it out, the stick got caught on fire and broke. We ran away and left if bursting in flames.
What advice do you have for young people?
To always look at the brighter side of things. You can't be down all the time because there are too many good things that happen. Also never let others bring you down.
MEREDITH
Audition No. 139
Occupation:Dental hygienist.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I was on the crew last year and being a member of the squad is the most amazing feeling in the world! Dancing and performing means everything to me.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Very exciting!
What word best describes you?
Dedicated!
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
To not be so hard on myself.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I love the racetrack.
A pet peeve?
People who take up two parking spots.
What's your favorite song?
"Damaged."
Group?
Danity Kane.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Spend every minute with my family.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Buffalo wings, hot dogs and ice cream.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"27 Dresses."
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Christian Bale/Katherine Heigl.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
Broadway shows.
What advice do you have for young people?
Always stay true to yourself.
JESSICA
Audition No. 209
Occupation: Dance teacher, student at Middlesex Community College and child care worker at a day-care facility.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I love performing and dancing in front of a bunch of people.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am so excited that I made it this far. It should be an awesome experience.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
Very fun and caring.
What word best describes you?
Outgoing.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
My confidence.
What's your favorite song?
"Realize" by Colbie.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Laveranues Coles.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My dance teacher.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
There is so much to do and a lot of sightseeing.
What advice do you have for young people?
To believe in yourself and never give up.
JENNIFER
Audition No. 216
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I love so much to dance. I like being in the spotlight.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I'm so excited for Sunday. I just want to get in there and do my thing.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I think I'm a great advice giver. I love to talk.
What word best describes you?
Entertaining!
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am a survivor of domestic violence.
Who inspires you?
My parents.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
That I may get knocked down seven times, but I'll get up on eight.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston and Martin Luther King.
Do you have unique superstitions?
No.
What's your favorite song?
"This Is My Now" by Jordin Sparks.
Group?
Boyz II Men.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Skydive, sing to my friends and family, dance a good dance and cry a good cry.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
I love pasta and shrimp.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Troy"!
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mother. When times are bad, she still smiles.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The people.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Christmas 1990.
What advice do you have for young people?
Never give up on your dream. When you're told you're nothing, let it roll off of you. Live every day like it's your last. If you fall, get back up. Love yourself.
DINA MARIE
Audition No. 229
Occupation:Iona College graduate student.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I love to perform and entertain. Being a member of the Flight Crew would be an overall unbelievable experience.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I'm excited. The last two auditions have definitely prepared me as to what is expected as a member of the crew and hopefully I will be able to demonstrate that on Sunday.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My positive attitude.
What word best describes you?
Enthusiastic.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
The way that I nitpick on insignificant details.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I'm goal-oriented. Most people think I'm flexible regarding going with the flow of things. However, I have identified certain accomplishments that I would like to attain in the future.
What inspires you?
Succeeding.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Jesus, George Washington, Christopher Columbus and Elvis Presley.
A pet peeve?
Wrinkled clothes.
What's your favorite song?
"Imagine," John Lennon.
Group?
Danity Kane.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Chad Pennington.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
I would spend the time with my family and close friends.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Steak and potatoes, and a brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Memento."
Who is your favorite actress?
Jennifer Aniston.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mother. She has always supported me in everything I have done and has always pushed me to use my full potential.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
It is one of the greatest cities in the world.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Every night before I went to bed, I used to ask my dad to tell me a joke and every night he'd tell me the same one.
What advice do you have for young people?
Always have dreams because it is the only way to make them a reality. You can do and be anything you wish — the only person who can stop you is you.
